Beyond the sauna

Good sauna design begins with understanding how a space will work.

There is something pleasingly straightforward about the appeal of a sauna: heat, timber, time and somewhere to sit. The thinking behind a good sauna, however, can be considerably more involved. For Saunas by Design Limited, the work begins with understanding how a space will be used, where it will sit and what the finished environment needs to achieve. Based in Cornwall, the company designs and hand-builds bespoke saunas for private homes, gyms, holiday lets, hotels and commercial developments, taking projects from the initial idea through to installation.

For a homeowner, the starting point might be an underused corner of the garden or a wish to create a dedicated place for recovery and relaxation. A compact garden sauna can make good use of limited space, while a larger scheme might incorporate panoramic glazing, a changing area, an outdoor shower, seating and a cold plunge. The architecture, timber, glazing and exterior finish can all be selected with the property and surrounding landscape in mind, giving the completed structure a clear relationship with its setting.

That same attention to context becomes important when a sauna forms part of a business. Gyms may need facilities capable of regular use, while hotels and holiday properties can use wellness spaces to give guests another reason to choose them. Saunas by Design works across these different requirements, developing schemes according to the available space, intended use and character of the project. For commercial developments, the company can also work alongside architects, builders and other specialists so that the sauna and associated facilities are properly incorporated into the wider design.

Increasingly, the sauna itself is only part of the picture. Saunas by Design creates complete wellness spaces in which heat, cold, washing and relaxation can sit together as a considered whole. A cold plunge, for example, introduces a simple heat-and-cold ritual, while an outdoor shower or dedicated changing area can make the experience easier to use as part of everyday life. Seating and relaxation areas can extend the space beyond the sauna room itself, creating somewhere designed around the full experience. For outdoor installations, materials and construction require particular thought. Cornwall’s weather can bring wind, rain and salt air, placing demands on timber, finishes and external structures. Saunas by Design selects materials according to the requirements of each project, considering the exterior cladding alongside internal timber, glazing, lighting and sauna equipment. Durability matters, as does the appearance of a structure that may be seen from the house, garden or wider property.

The same principles apply to holiday accommodation, where a sauna can become a practical feature of the guest experience. A dedicated wellness space gives visitors another way to use a property throughout the year, whether they have spent the day walking the coast or simply want somewhere warm to unwind on a winter evening. Its usefulness also extends beyond presentation: holiday lets experience regular turnover and repeated use, so durability and ease of maintenance need to be considered from the outset.

The company offers sauna maintenance in selected areas, giving holiday-let owners and property managers access to ongoing care where available. Regular inspections, timber care and maintenance can help preserve both the appearance and operation of the sauna, an especially useful consideration for owners who live some distance from their property.

For a private client, the finished sauna may become part of a daily routine; for a gym, it can support a wider approach to recovery; for a holiday property, it can add another dimension to the stay. Each begins with the same practical question: what should the space do?

07944 078206 
hello@saunasbydesign.co.uk